OIA Announces “Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award” Recipients

Senator Gordon Smith from Oregon and Representative Mark Udall from Colorado will be this year’s recipients of the “Friend of the Outdoor Industry Award” for their leadership and dedication to the active outdoor recreation industry.

Senator Gordon Smith from Oregon and Representative Mark Udall from Colorado will be this year's recipients of the â€œFriend of the Outdoor Industry Awardâ€ for their leadership and dedication to the active outdoor recreation industry. The awards will be presented during Outdoor Industry Association's annual Capitol Summit in Washington, DC from April 15th through April 17th.

Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) is receiving this award for his legislative work in support of the outdoor industry's trade agenda. As Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Trade, Senator Smith has been an invaluable ally to Outdoor Industry Association, its members and the outdoor industry generally in pursuit of its trade agenda. Senator Smith is a lead sponsor of the Affordable Footwear Act, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative initiative to eliminate duties on several styles of footwear. He has been a tireless advocate for the legislation to his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee and throughout the Senate and continues to push for the bill's passage.

This award is also being presented to Representative Mark Udall (D-CO) for his work in support of the outdoor industry's recreation agenda and specifically his efforts to ensure that the benefits of preserving recreation destinations on public lands are given equal consideration to energy development on public lands. To this end, Congressman Udall introduced a provision in the House Energy bill that would grant recreation permit holders advanced notification of proposed oil leasing that would impact their recreational operations. This provision would result in improved standing and consideration of the recreation industry as decisions are made regarding proposed energy projects on public lands.

â€œColoradans understand that our outdoor industry is as important to our economy as it is to our way of life. I am proud to receive this award and will continue to work in years to come on behalf of Colorado's world-class outdoor industry,â€ remarked Representative Udall.

â€œThe Friend of the Outdoor Industry Awardâ€ is presented annually to members of Congress and administration officials in recognition for their leadership in support of the active outdoor recreation industry.

â€œBoth Senator Smith and Congressman Udall have been real leaders in advocating for public policies that support the success and growth of our industry,â€ said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of OIA. â€œWe are deeply appreciative of their efforts.â€

Member companies from Outdoor Industry Association will be in Washington, D.C., as part of the Capitol Summit, an annual event that gives industry folks the opportunity to meet with members of Congress and administration officials. OIA members will be discussing a number of topics, including recreation issues and fair trade policies for the industry's technical products.

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About Outdoor Industry AssociationOutdoor Industry AssociationÂ® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous, Outdoor University, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

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